C-Reactive Testing or CRP Testing is used to measure the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, which usually increases when there is a high inflammation in the body. Doctors perform CRP testing for infections and a variety of other medical conditions.

A more advanced CRP test, called the high-sensitivity CRP test, is used to identify if you are at the risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. CRP tests usually involve a simple blood test.

Why is the CRP Test done?

This test is done to identify people with high C-reactive protein levels, so that they can be given a special treatment. Doctors perform this test to check for inflammation, which may indicate a chronic inflammatory disease, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. CRP tests, as said earlier, are used to evaluate the risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends high-sensitivity CRP tests for those who are at an intermediate risk, or a 10 to 20 percent, of having a heart attack over the next 7 to 10 years. This risk is based on a family history of heart disease, lifestyle choices and most recent health status.

Those who are at a low risk of heart attack are less likely to benefit from a CRP test, as it is unlikely to reveal much in this case. Those with a high risk of heart attack must seek treatment immediately, regardless of what the CRP test says.

Who is the CRP Test meant for?

It is estimated that 47 percent of Americans display some of the risk factors for heart disease. If you think you are at the risk of developing heart disease as well, whether because of family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, smoking or alcohol addiction, then you should get a CRP test does as it would help you monitor your heart health better.

CRP Test – How is it done?

You don’t need any special preparation for the CRP test. Eat normally as you always do. CRP test is a simple blood test; a nurse would draw blood from a vein at the back of the hand.

Before they do that, they clean the skin over the vein with an antiseptic and wrap an elastic band around the arm. This makes the veins to bulge out and become visible. They then insert a tiny needle into the vein and collect the blood in a vial.

After collecting the blood, the elastic band is removed. A gauze is applied on the site of the puncture and you will be asked to maintain some pressure on it, just for a few minutes. A tape may be used to keep the gauze in place.

What if you have a high CRP?

It is important to understand that your C-protein level is a biomarker. It is one of the factors considered by doctors when evaluating a patient’s health. It is not a standalone factor. This means, there is no way to be 100% sure that lowering CRP level is likely to reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney disease or other types of autoimmune disease.

One of the things you will need to do to maintain a lower CRP level is to change your food habits. The Mediterranean diet and the Nordic diet are two of the best CRP diets out there. They have been closely linked to lower CRP levels.

Even if you don’t follow either the Mediterranean diet or the Nordic diet, as long as you have healthy, balanced and wholesome meals; that should be enough.

If you have a high CRP, which indicates that you are at a high risk of heart disease, your doctor would prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications such as statin. Aspirin and Vitamin C are known to lower CRP levels as well.